BSc (Hons) Geology with Geography with a Placement Year
Course options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Science
- UCAS Course Code
- F645
- Typical Offer
- ABB (specific subject requirements apply)
- Contextual Offer
- BBC (specific subject requirements apply)
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2024
Why you should choose us
Course Overview
Explore the classical areas of earth sciences in this modern degree that will equip you with the skills and knowledge required to tackle today’s challenges.
What happens during an earthquake? What’s going on inside an erupting volcano? How does a meteorite impact affect the Earth? Why do flash floods happen and can we stop them? Why do some landslides carry on for years, but others develop very quickly?This course combines geology and geography where you’ll follow a programme that takes a very modern approach to Earth science – one that links geology with physical geography, human society and a multitude of surface and environmental processes. You’ll get out in the field or into the lab to use the principles of geology and physical geography to explore topics including plate tectonics, natural resources, geochemistry, earthquakes, volcanoes, soil health and water quality. You’ll also explore the important relationships between these topics and other disciplines in geography and across the environmental sciences – an opportunity not usually available in traditional geology departments.
Our vast research expertise means we provide world-class teaching, and our international reputation ensures UEA graduates are highly sought after. As a Geology with Geography graduate, you’ll be in great demand within the industry. Graduates of UEA’s School of Environmental Sciences are held in high esteem in the wider geosciences community for the high levels of laboratory, field and transferable skills you acquire during the course. You’ll also benefit from a flexible and adaptable degree programme, where conventional subject boundaries are dissolved to give you an integrated learning experience.
You’ll enhance your studies and employability by spending your third year on an industrial work placement, giving you hands-on experience whilst developing your skills, knowledge and industry contacts.
Studying Geology with Geography will help you understand the solid Earth and the societal consequences of its processes – such as volcanoes, earthquakes and floods. You’ll explore the interaction of human society and the Earth using geology, geography, social science and the core sciences, with the opportunity to focus on areas that most interest you. As well as an introduction to geology and the earth system, in your first year you’ll gain an important foundation in research skills, and exposure to a range of environmental problems in relation to the climate, natural hazards, land use, biodiversity and sustainability. As you progress through the course, you are able to specialise choosing from a wide range of modules covering topics such as plate tectonics, sediments, volcanoes, earthquakes, earth resources and ancient climates.
Placement Year and Study Abroad
Your year in industry will ensure you graduate with relevant work experience. Not only will you see first-hand how your chosen field operates, but you’ll boost your chances of progressing within that sector through valuable contacts and insight. Your studies will benefit too as you see theory transformed into reality – under the real pressures of time and money.
You’ll be expected to seek your own work placement and in the first two weeks of your second year you’ll be asked to write a CV and to apply to a range of companies. Not only will this ensure that you work within your preferred field, but it will also provide you with the essential job-hunting skills you’ll require after graduation. We’ll, offer our guidance and support whilst students are identifying and negotiating placement opportunities.
During this year, you’ll be supported by an industrial supervisor and a mentor from the University. You and your industrial supervisor will feed back during the placement to ensure that it is progressing well, and your UEA mentor will visit you during the year.
Please note that we cannot guarantee any student a work placement as this decision rests with potential employers.
If you were unable to secure a work placement by the end of your second year, you’ll have the option to apply to be transferred onto the equivalent degree programme without a Year in Industry.
Accreditations
This course has been accredited by The Geological Society of London. This accreditation status provides added assurance to prospective students that the course content and structure has been approved by an independent body of academics and industrialists and that the teaching is of the highest quality. An accredited degree will reduce the amount of post-graduation experience required for applications for Chartered Geologist and Chartered Scientist. A professional geoscientist holding an accredited degree is eligible to apply for Chartered status one year earlier than those with unaccredited degrees. Those holding two accredited degrees (e.g. BSc and MSc) can apply two years earlier.
In order to receive the award of an accredited degree, students are required to follow an accredited pathway – this is something that your advisor and course director will be able to advise you on. The accredited pathway requires students to take some particular modules and also requires the student to undertake a certain amount of field work (partly achieved by taking the required modules and partly by undertaking some fieldwork for the final year project).
Study and Modules
Structure
Your four-year course will cover a broad range of topics, moving from a first year that provides you with an essential foundation, through to more flexibility as you progress.
In your first year, you’ll build a strong foundation of knowledge through compulsory modules that explore topics such as environmental challenges, the atmosphere and oceans. The modules also look at developing fields and research skills. You’re likely to come across subjects that are new to you – sparking interests that may shape your studies over the next three years.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Teaching
Over the four years, you’ll be taught by leading geologists, geographers and environmental scientists. You’ll have around 15-18 hours contact time a week, in a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, laboratory sessions, field trips and residential field courses. Student-led learning comes in various forms too, from peer-to-peer learning through oral presentations, and presentations in class. You’ll work in small groups to solve problems, debate important topics, learn to critique and defend theories in geography and geology, develop ideas and create new solutions to real-world problems.
Independent study
You’ll spend time carrying out independent study, researching in UEA’s state-of-the-art library, writing essays or carrying out practical work or projects.
This course will give you an excellent balance of independent thinking and study skills, helping you grow into a self-motivated learner, an expert researcher and analytical thinker. You’ll develop accuracy and precision in your written work through evidence-based analysis. And you’ll become well versed in time management and organisation through self-directed study. Throughout your degree, you'll be given guidance on your work and constructive feedback to help you improve.
Academic support
To make sure you get the most from your studies and help you reach your full potential our Learning Enhancement team, based in the Student Support Service are on hand to help in the following areas:
- Study skills (including reading, note-taking and presentation skills)
- Writing skills (including punctuation and grammatical accuracy)
- Academic writing (including how to reference)
- Research skills (including how to use the library)
- Critical thinking and understanding arguments
- Revision, assessment and examination skills (including time management)
If you have additional needs due to disabilities such as sensory impairment or learning difficulties such as dyslexia, please talk to our Student Support Services about how we can help.
Assessment
Each year, you’ll be assessed based on coursework and, for some modules, project and examination results. The balance of assessment by coursework and exam depends on the modules you choose. Typically, a module has 1/3 of its marks awarded for a piece of coursework and 2/3 for an examination.
For each module you’ll have the chance to test your skills with one or two pieces of practice or ‘formative’ assignments. That assignment might be a coursework essay, project or exam.
You’ll get feedback on your practice assignments from your tutors, helping you to improve your work before your final ‘summative’ assessment. We encourage you to discuss your feedback with your teachers to help you put it into practice.
Structure
In your second year, you’ll take compulsory modules alongside optional modules, giving you the freedom to tailor your course. You can choose from a wide range of specialist modules such as geomorphology, geophysics and hydrogeology. There is also the opportunity to partake in field courses on some of the modules.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 40)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Teaching
Over the four years, you’ll be taught by leading geologists, geographers and environmental scientists. You’ll have around 15-18 hours contact time a week, in a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, laboratory sessions, field trips and residential field courses. Student-led learning comes in various forms too, from peer-to-peer learning through oral presentations, and presentations in class. You’ll work in small groups to solve problems, debate important topics, learn to critique and defend theories in geography and geology, develop ideas and create new solutions to real-world problems.
Independent study
You’ll spend time carrying out independent study, researching in UEA’s state-of-the-art library, writing essays or carrying out practical work or projects.
This course will give you an excellent balance of independent thinking and study skills, helping you grow into a self-motivated learner, an expert researcher and analytical thinker. You’ll develop accuracy and precision in your written work through evidence-based analysis. And you’ll become well versed in time management and organisation through self-directed study. Throughout your degree, you'll be given guidance on your work and constructive feedback to help you improve.
Academic support
To make sure you get the most from your studies and help you reach your full potential our Learning Enhancement team, based in the Student Support Service are on hand to help in the following areas:
- Study skills (including reading, note-taking and presentation skills)
- Writing skills (including punctuation and grammatical accuracy)
- Academic writing (including how to reference)
- Research skills (including how to use the library)
- Critical thinking and understanding arguments
- Revision, assessment and examination skills (including time management)
If you have additional needs due to disabilities such as sensory impairment or learning difficulties such as dyslexia, please talk to our Student Support Services about how we can help.
Assessment
Each year, you’ll be assessed based on coursework and, for some modules, project and examination results. The balance of assessment by coursework and exam depends on the modules you choose. Typically, a module has 1/3 of its marks awarded for a piece of coursework and 2/3 for an examination.
For each module you’ll have the chance to test your skills with one or two pieces of practice or ‘formative’ assignments. That assignment might be a coursework essay, project or exam.
You’ll get feedback on your practice assignments from your tutors, helping you to improve your work before your final ‘summative’ assessment. We encourage you to discuss your feedback with your teachers to help you put it into practice.
Structure
You’ll spend your third year on an industrial work placement lasting from 9-14 months, gaining relevant experience and developing your skills and knowledge. We have established links throughout the UK and beyond, and we’ll help you in identifying and competing for appropriate positions.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Each year, you’ll be assessed based on coursework and, for some modules, project and examination results. The balance of assessment by coursework and exam depends on the modules you choose. Typically, a module has 1/3 of its marks awarded for a piece of coursework and 2/3 for an examination.
For each module you’ll have the chance to test your skills with one or two pieces of practice or ‘formative’ assignments. That assignment might be a coursework essay, project or exam.
You’ll get feedback on your practice assignments from your tutors, helping you to improve your work before your final ‘summative’ assessment. We encourage you to discuss your feedback with your teachers to help you put it into practice.
Assessment
Teaching
Over the four years, you’ll be taught by leading geologists, geographers and environmental scientists. You’ll have around 15-18 hours contact time a week, in a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, laboratory sessions, field trips and residential field courses. Student-led learning comes in various forms too, from peer-to-peer learning through oral presentations, and presentations in class. You’ll work in small groups to solve problems, debate important topics, learn to critique and defend theories in geography and geology, develop ideas and create new solutions to real-world problems.
Independent study
You’ll spend time carrying out independent study, researching in UEA’s state-of-the-art library, writing essays or carrying out practical work or projects.
This course will give you an excellent balance of independent thinking and study skills, helping you grow into a self-motivated learner, an expert researcher and analytical thinker. You’ll develop accuracy and precision in your written work through evidence-based analysis. And you’ll become well versed in time management and organisation through self-directed study. Throughout your degree, you'll be given guidance on your work and constructive feedback to help you improve.
Academic support
To make sure you get the most from your studies and help you reach your full potential our Learning Enhancement team, based in the Student Support Service are on hand to help in the following areas:
- Study skills (including reading, note-taking and presentation skills)
- Writing skills (including punctuation and grammatical accuracy)
- Academic writing (including how to reference)
- Research skills (including how to use the library)
- Critical thinking and understanding arguments
- Revision, assessment and examination skills (including time management)
If you have additional needs due to disabilities such as sensory impairment or learning difficulties such as dyslexia, please talk to our Student Support Services about how we can help.
Structure
In your final year, you’ll spend a substantial amount of time on your Independent Project, giving you the chance to investigate an area of interest in depth and put everything you’ve learnt throughout your degree into practice. You’ll also have the opportunity to select from a range of optional modules – including topics covering geophysical hazards, paleoclimatology and an overseas geosciences field course.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 40, Max Credits: 80)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Optional C Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Optional D Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Teaching
Over the four years, you’ll be taught by leading geologists, geographers and environmental scientists. You’ll have around 15-18 hours contact time a week, in a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, laboratory sessions, field trips and residential field courses. Student-led learning comes in various forms too, from peer-to-peer learning through oral presentations, and presentations in class. You’ll work in small groups to solve problems, debate important topics, learn to critique and defend theories in geography and geology, develop ideas and create new solutions to real-world problems.
Independent study
You’ll spend time carrying out independent study, researching in UEA’s state-of-the-art library, writing essays or carrying out practical work or projects.
This course will give you an excellent balance of independent thinking and study skills, helping you grow into a self-motivated learner, an expert researcher and analytical thinker. You’ll develop accuracy and precision in your written work through evidence-based analysis. And you’ll become well versed in time management and organisation through self-directed study. Throughout your degree, you'll be given guidance on your work and constructive feedback to help you improve.
Academic support
To make sure you get the most from your studies and help you reach your full potential our Learning Enhancement team, based in the Student Support Service are on hand to help in the following areas:
- Study skills (including reading, note-taking and presentation skills)
- Writing skills (including punctuation and grammatical accuracy)
- Academic writing (including how to reference)
- Research skills (including how to use the library)
- Critical thinking and understanding arguments
- Revision, assessment and examination skills (including time management)
If you have additional needs due to disabilities such as sensory impairment or learning difficulties such as dyslexia, please talk to our Student Support Services about how we can help.
Assessment
Each year, you’ll be assessed based on coursework and, for some modules, project and examination results. The balance of assessment by coursework and exam depends on the modules you choose. Typically, a module has 1/3 of its marks awarded for a piece of coursework and 2/3 for an examination.
For each module you’ll have the chance to test your skills with one or two pieces of practice or ‘formative’ assignments. That assignment might be a coursework essay, project or exam.
You’ll get feedback on your practice assignments from your tutors, helping you to improve your work before your final ‘summative’ assessment. We encourage you to discuss your feedback with your teachers to help you put it into practice.
Entry Requirements
- A Levels
- ABB including Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics. A-Level General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted. Where applicable Science A Levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element. If you are taking an EPQ and three A-levels, we may offer you a one grade reduction on our advertised typical offer alongside an A in the EPQ.
- T Levels
- Obtain an overall Pass including a B in the core of the T Level and a Distinction in the Occupational Specialism. Acceptable subjects are Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction or Science.
- BTEC
- DDM in Applied Science, Applied Science (Medical Science), Environmental Sustainability or Countryside Management. Excludes Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration. See below for accepted subjects and combinations.
- Contextual Offer
A Level – BBC including one from Geography, Geology, Maths, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics. A-Level General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted. Where applicable Science A Levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element.
BTEC L3 Extended Diploma – DMM in Applied Science, or Applied Science (Medical Science), Environmental Sustainability or Countryside Management.
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
- Scottish Highers
- AAABB including grade A in Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable.
- Scottish Advanced Highers
- BCC including Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable.
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- 3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3 including Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics.
- Access to HE Diploma
- Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 30 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 15 credits at Level 3 including 12 credits in either including Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics.
- International Baccalaureate
- 32 points including HL5 in Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics.
- GCSE
You are required to have Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4 or above at GCSE.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
-
IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
-
- Interviews
Most applicants will not be called for an interview and a decision will be made via UCAS Hub. However, for some applicants an interview will be requested. Where an interview is required, the Admissions Service will contact you directly to arrange a time.
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Intakes
This course is open to UK and International applicants. The annual intake is in September each year.
Additional Information or Requirements
Extended Diploma: DDM in Applied Science, or Applied Science (Medical Science), Environmental Sustainability or Countryside Management.
Diploma: DD plus B at A-Level in either Geography, Geology, Maths, Economics, Biology, Chemistry or Physics OR DD in Applied Science, or Applied Science (Medical Science), Environmental Sustainability or Countryside Management plus B at A-Level.
Extended Certificate: D plus BB at A-Level to include either Geography, Geology, Maths, Economics, Biology, Chemistry or Physics.
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes such as BSc Environmental Sciences with a Foundation Year.
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
We welcome and value a wide range of alternative qualifications. If you have a qualification which is not listed here, or are taking a combination of qualifications, please contact us via Admissions Enquiries.
International Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. View our International Students pages for specific information about your country.
INTO University of East Anglia
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree:
International Foundation in Physical Sciences and Engineering
International Foundation in Pharmacy Health and Life Science
International Foundation in Mathematics and Actuarial Sciences
Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Field courses are available every year of your course. We fully subsidise the cost of one residential field course – the others are 50% subsidised and carry a cost to students of around £250-£400 depending on destination and duration. These costs cover accommodation, meals and transport.
Find out more about the individual field courses on offer in the module information.
You’re eligible for reduced fees during your Placement Year. Further details are available on our Tuition Fee website.
There may be extra costs related to items such as your travel and accommodation during your year in industry, which will vary depending on location.
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of other course-related costs.
How to Apply
Apply for this course through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS), using UCAS Hub.
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information:
Employability
After the Course
As a Geology with Geography graduate, you could go on to a very wide range of careers and have a high rate of employment. You could work for national and international agencies, private sector or governments, in the areas of geological resource management, economic and social development, planning, or policy making. Alternatively, you could pursue an MSc or PhD in geology, geography or a related discipline.
During your studies, you’ll meet potential employers during internships and our annual Careers Fair, which attracts a wide range of employers interested in graduates with geographical and geological skills.
Careers
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
- Geoscientist
- Engineering geologist
- Geological consultant
- Earth Sciences technician
- Cartographer
Discover more on our Careers webpages.